How are you?

A simple question. A question most people hear dozens of times a day or week.

But for someone suffering with depression this questions brings with it a wave of dread, anxiety and even panic.

Honestly I used to panic when I knew I was seeing someone because I knew they were going to ask me ‘The question!’

I used to get into such a panic I would stop going out or avoid eye contact and walk around staring at the floor through fear I was going to bump into someone who knew me.

I realised after a while of this that it was envitable that I was going to see someone and be asked the question so I started to prepare myself better instead. I would have an answer all ready.

“I’m fine thanks. How are you?”

No matter how I felt I would have this answer ready immediately. Smile on, and answer.

It worked every time. A positive answer followed by a question directed at them was a perfect way to get the attention off of me straight away. It worked for many many years – and sometimes still does. Even when I was very poorly I stuck with it. No one ever questioned me. No one ever really looked at me and said;

“I know you’re not. Tell me the truth.”

And why should they?

They’ve asked me a question and I’ve answered. It’s not up to them to play detective everytime they see me.

I chose to lie.

To be honest sometimes I still do. But why?

Well for me it’s because I don’t want to bother people. I don’t want to be the miserable friend. The one that always brings the mood down. The burden. Also, if I am honest I’m a bit scared. How will they react if I tell them? Will they roll their eyes and tell me to get over it? Will they laugh? Will they just be annoyed by me and reel out all the awful cliques;

“Just think positive.”

“Are you taking your medication?”

“We all feel like that sometimes.”

Will they all talk about me behind my back? Will they stop being my friend?

Or,

Will they hug me? Will they tell me to open up more? Will they give me lots of compliments and tell me how important I am to them?

All of the above frighten me!

Having to cope with the negativity and possibly abandonment would be awful, yes but what if they showed me love and support? Care and compassion? I’m not used to that! I don’t like it! I don’t deserve it! It makes me hugely uncomfortable.

Luckily, I have some amazing people around me. We had conversations early on in my journey that the “How are you question?” is a pretty awful way to start a conversation so instead I get them to say things like;

“How is therapy going?”

“How is the blog going?”

“How have things been going?”

Just altering the question slightly makes it so much less scary. I have spoken about this with other friends who I met through mental health groups and therapies and they all agree.

Some of my friends and family have also gotten very good at recognising when I am telling porky pies so I don’t tend to get away with not talking very often anymore. I realise I am very lucky to have such an amazing support network around me and I am so grateful to all of them.

When it does come to answering that inevitable question, I say be honest but with caution. Lying is definitely not the way to go believe me but I do understand how difficult and unrealistic it is to suddenly start opening up and being 100% honest! That’s why I say be honest with caution. I say things like;

“I’m struggling a bit at the moment.”

“I’m not getting much sleep at the moment.”

“I’m ok but my moods are up and down.!

I’m not lying but i’m not giving a full blow by blow account of my every feeling and emotion! I think by answering a little more honestly you’ll feel better and actually be surprised by some peoples reactions. I know I have been. I have never had anyone be rude or run away – promise!

Talking is the only way to end the awful stigma that does still surround Mental health and talking will really and trul help you in your recovery.

If you are someone who always lies as I did, make it your aim to open up and be honest with someone. Just one person. Over the phone, text, email or face to face. Give it a try and let me know how you get on.

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About Me

The Amy behind amysboarderlineworld

I am a 31 year old mummy of one gorgeous little boy, and a wife to one equally gorgeous man! Currently pregnant with my 2nd.
I suffer with mental health issues and blog in the hope I can help and inspire others.
I love art and anything creative and believe without it my days would still be pretty dark.
I take each day as it comes - or at least try to - and I am always grateful for everything in my life, big or small.
Please join me on my journey. I'm sure we will have some laughs along the way!
Amy x